ABSTRACT
This chapter concentrates on one of the first-generation printed wiring board (PWB) assembly processes, viz., through hole insertion. Inasmuch as robots have been used almost as long a time as PWBs, a discussion of them are also included. Modern manufacturing methods have applied the power of the electric motor, pneumatic valve, and hydraulic pump to supplement the muscle and energy of the human being. In addition, measurement and control instrumentation for machinery has enhanced the precision of the function. The 1950s were also the years for advances in programmable transfer devices, known as “robots”; and, in 1956, the Unimate robot. The measurement, collection, processing, and analysis of specific data are parts of the metrics analysis function. Selection of those parameters or metrics, which are meaningful or relevant to the success of a business, however, is crucial. The interesting phenomenon, however, is that the competitive manager always wants to know the cost or time to deliver the specific parameters.
